ExtraContent
ExtraContent is a nearly ubiquitous technology found in most modern RapidWeaver themes today. Since it was first introduced in 2008, ExtraContent has been one of the most sought after, most requested features of all time.
ExtraContent allows users to take their RapidWeaver site beyond the usual sidebar / content layout and add content in places otherwise out of reach for RapidWeaver. The end result is the creation of webpages that have a more sophisticated and distinctive appearance.
At other times, ExtraContent may be essential to use for the setup of custom banners or components like social networking bars in some themes.
If you are a RapidWeaver user wanting to make use of ExtraContent, then the two methods you have are the ExtraContent snippets or the ExtraContent stack. The stack only works with page types that are of a 'Stacks' type. Whereas the code snippet works with all RapidWeaver page types. You can find links to both in the sidebar.
For RapidWeaver theme developers, the ExtraContent API provides details of how you can add ExtraContent support to your themes. ExtraContent support is expected in many themes you sell and will add value to your addons.
A brief history of ExtraContent
ExtraContent came about in 2008 when a handful of 3rd party developers addressed the need for more content spaces in RapidWeaver. While the content area and sidebar were ample space for many RapidWeaver users, there were many more who wanted the flexibility to add web content outside of the main page and sidebar areas in ways keeping with todays modern web designs.ExtraContent was the solution agreed upon by these developers as an easy means of end users adding more content to their site in developer designated areas of ExtraContent enabled themes. While these areas will vary from theme to theme, the process will be very much the same. These developers worked closely to come up with a solution that would give all users a common experience. And thus the Developer Standard for ExtraContent was born.
ExtraContent is supported by nearly all 3rd party RapidWeaver themes and is still one of the most sought after features after all of these years. The uses for ExtraContent are as unique and varied as the individuals using them. From auxiliary navigation areas, to video playback boxes, from mastheads to jumbo footers, your imagination is the only limit to what you can use ExtraContent for.